Filipino Beef Adobo is a comforting and rich dish that is a staple in Filipino cuisine. This hearty dish features beef short ribs braised in a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, creating a rich, tender meal that is perfect for any occasion. This adobo recipe provides that classic tangy and salty flavor, with the beef slowly simmered to perfection. The result is a flavorful, fork-tender dish that’s perfect when served with rice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 medium yellow onion, halved and sliced into ⅛-inch thick slices
¼ cup garlic, minced
⅓ cup soy sauce (Lauriant brand preferred)
2½ teaspoons brown sugar, packed
¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
3 large bay leaves
½ cup vinegar (Datu Puti or apple cider vinegar)
1 cup water

Directions

Season the Beef: Remove short ribs from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
Sear the Short Ribs: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a 3.5-quart braiser or heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside. Discard excess oil, leaving about 2½ tablespoons in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the same pot and sauté over medium heat for about 4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Add the Liquids and Spices: Stir in soy sauce, peppercorns, brown sugar, and bay leaves, and mix until combined. Add the vinegar and do NOT stir. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil.
Simmer the Beef: Once the mixture reaches a boil, return the short ribs to the pot. Add water and bring it to another boil. Turn off the heat, cover with the lid, and transfer the pot to the oven.
Braised Cooking: Cook the beef in the oven for 2-2½ hours, flipping the short ribs halfway through until they are fork-tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
Finish and Serve: Skim off any unwanted oil from the top of the braised liquid and discard any loose bones. Serve hot with Jasmine rice.

Nutrients

Calories: 796
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 58g
Fat: 54g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 179mg
Sodium: 2198mg
Potassium: 478mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 239IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 4mg

This Filipino Beef Adobo is a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with rice. The combination of tender beef and tangy sauce is sure to delight anyone who tries it!

The Roots of Adobo: A Filipino Classic

Adobo is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, known for its deep roots in the country’s history. The dish is believed to have originated from the Spanish colonial period, with the term “adobo” coming from the Spanish word “adobar,” which means “to marinate” or “to season.” Over time, Filipinos adapted the recipe, making it their own by incorporating local ingredients and cooking methods. The Filipino version of adobo is characterized by its simple yet flavorful marinade made from vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. While the dish has many regional variations, beef adobo is a popular choice for those who enjoy a heartier, meatier version. The slow-cooked beef absorbs the tangy, savory marinade, resulting in a flavorful, rich sauce that is perfect for spooning over rice.

The Flavor Profile of Filipino Beef Adobo

The magic of Filipino Beef Adobo lies in its balanced flavor profile. The combination of vinegar and soy sauce creates the signature tangy and salty taste that defines the dish. The vinegar, usually cane vinegar or apple cider vinegar, provides acidity that helps tenderize the beef while contributing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. Soy sauce adds depth and umami, enhancing the savory notes of the dish. The garlic and onions sautéed in oil release their natural sweetness and aroma, infusing the meat with additional layers of flavor. Brown sugar is added to create a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy and salty components, while bay leaves and peppercorns lend a hint of earthiness and spice to the sauce. This perfect combination of ingredients creates a savory-sweet, slightly tangy sauce that complements the rich, tender beef.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef for Adobo

For the best results, beef short ribs are used in this recipe, providing the perfect amount of tenderness and flavor. Short ribs are well-marbled with fat, which helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks. The slow braising process allows the fat to melt and infuse the meat with richness, making it fork-tender and full of flavor. Beef short ribs also have a satisfying texture that holds up well during long cooking times, making them ideal for a dish like adobo. While short ribs are the preferred choice for this recipe, other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, can also be used. These cuts have similar properties, offering a good amount of fat and connective tissue that break down during braising, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish.

The Braising Process: Achieving Tender, Flavorful Beef

The key to making Filipino Beef Adobo is the braising process. Braising is a slow cooking method where meat is first browned in fat and then simmered in liquid at a low temperature. This technique allows the beef to break down slowly, making it tender and juicy. The process begins by searing the short ribs in hot oil, which creates a flavorful crust and locks in the meat’s natural juices. Once the meat is browned, it is simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onions, and spices, allowing the beef to absorb all the rich flavors. The addition of water helps to create a savory braising liquid that eventually thickens into a rich sauce. The low and slow simmering process allows the beef to become tender and infuses the meat with the flavors of the marinade, creating a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish.

The Importance of Vinegar and Soy Sauce in Adobo

Vinegar and soy sauce are the foundational ingredients in any adobo recipe, and their combination creates the distinctive taste that makes this dish so special. The vinegar in adobo serves as both a tenderizer and a flavor enhancer, helping to break down the connective tissue in the beef while contributing a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat. Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness to the dish, complementing the tangy vinegar and bringing out the savory notes of the beef. The balance between these two ingredients is crucial to achieving the authentic adobo flavor, and they work together to create a harmonious, well-seasoned sauce that coats the beef and infuses it with flavor.

The Role of Garlic, Onion, and Bay Leaves

Garlic, onion, and bay leaves are essential aromatics in Filipino Beef Adobo, contributing both fragrance and depth of flavor. Garlic, in particular, is a key component in adobo, infusing the braising liquid with its pungent, savory aroma. When sautéed in oil, garlic releases its natural sweetness, creating a rich base for the dish. Onion adds a mild sweetness and balance to the strong flavors of the garlic and vinegar. Bay leaves, which are typically added whole during cooking and removed before serving, impart a subtle earthy and slightly floral note to the sauce. These aromatics come together to create a flavorful, fragrant base that elevates the beef and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Finishing the Dish and Serving Suggestions

Once the beef has braised and become fork-tender, the dish is ready to be served. To finish the adobo, it’s important to skim off any excess oil from the braising liquid to ensure the sauce remains rich but not greasy. The beef should be served hot, accompanied by a generous amount of the savory sauce. Filipino Beef Adobo is traditionally served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce and balance the richness of the beef. You can also serve the dish with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad to add a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the adobo. For those who enjoy a little heat, a few slices of fresh chili peppers can be added to the sauce or served on the side.

Why Filipino Beef Adobo is Perfect for Any Occasion

Filipino Beef Adobo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or a holiday celebration, adobo is the perfect meal to satisfy a crowd. The rich, flavorful beef pairs well with rice, making it a complete meal that is both hearty and comforting. The beauty of adobo is that it can be made in advance and stored, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop over time. This makes it a great dish for meal prepping or preparing ahead of time for busy days. The leftovers also reheat well, so you can enjoy the dish for several days after it’s made.

The Nutritional Benefits of Filipino Beef Adobo

In addition to being flavorful and satisfying, Filipino Beef Adobo also offers some nutritional benefits. Beef short ribs provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The dish also contains healthy fats, which contribute to satiety and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Garlic, onion, and bay leaves all offer antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress. Vinegar is believed to have digestive benefits, and soy sauce provides essential minerals like manganese and iron. When served with rice, adobo provides a well-rounded meal that includes carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a filling and nutritious option.

Conclusion

Filipino Beef Adobo is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that has earned its place as a staple in Filipino cuisine. The combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, along with the fork-tender beef, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion. The slow braising process allows the beef to absorb all the aromatic spices and seasonings, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal that pairs perfectly with rice. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special celebration, or just craving something hearty, Filipino Beef Adobo is sure to impress. It’s a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to the table, and it’s one that will leave you coming back for more.

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